Hepatic steatosis
In plain language
Fat has accumulated in the liver; routine imaging can suggest it but cannot establish inflammation or scarring by itself.
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3 things to know first
- It means fat in the liver. It is not the same as a liver cyst or a mass.
- Routine scans cannot stage all liver damage. Ultrasound, CT, or MRI may show fat but not reliably determine inflammation or fibrosis.
- Clinical context matters. Blood tests and metabolic risk factors help guide follow-up.
What it is
Hepatic steatosis is an increased amount of fat stored in liver cells. Many reports call it “fatty liver.” It can be associated with metabolic factors or other causes, and an imaging description alone does not establish why it developed. Terminology for related liver disease has changed over time, but the imaging phrase still describes fat in the liver.
Why it appears on your report
On ultrasound, the liver may look brighter than expected. CT can show lower liver attenuation, and MRI methods can assess liver fat more specifically. The radiologist may describe the appearance as mild, moderate, or marked, but a routine scan does not by itself show whether inflammation or scarring is present.
How serious is it
The significance depends on the amount of fat, blood tests, metabolic health, alcohol and medication history, and whether there is evidence of fibrosis. Some people have steatosis without advanced liver disease. Others need further assessment for liver injury or scarring.
When to seek care urgently
Seek prompt medical care for new jaundice, confusion, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain. These symptoms need evaluation regardless of whether a report only mentions steatosis.
What usually happens next
- Discuss the report and relevant history with a clinician.
- Review liver blood tests and possible metabolic risk factors.
- Ask whether fibrosis assessment or follow-up is appropriate.
A simple analogy
A liver can store some fat, like a pantry stores supplies. Steatosis means more fat has accumulated than expected; an image does not show every effect that storage may have had on the organ.
Further reading
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